Organizations should consider many factors before jumping into social media and social networks. Here are some guidelines.
Photo by ButchLebo.
Start With Intent
Be clear about the purpose of your social networks and media. Are you looking at reaching new markets and opening channels for membership, market adoption or sales? Are you hoping to increase awareness and open communication concerning your organization? Are you creating coupons or informational products? Knowing your intent defines which path you take.
Choose the Appropriate Social Media Platform
There are many open source and free platforms out there. Besides, there are some great collaborative products and numerous content management software companies. The following are some things to consider when choosing a platform.
- Operating environments vary. Some content systems work in a Windows environment, while some are built for open source platforms such as Linux.
- The content system should have an RSS feed support feature. This means that one can export the content using specific protocol which allows it to be viewed in a reader or any other application, and not only at the site.
- The platform should allow administrative functions such as exporting, importing and backing up.
- Customization is vital. You should be able to make the platform feel and look like you want it to.
Keep the Community Alive
People’s attention spans are very short. Work stresses are very high. Your chances of making a rich and robust community of hundreds or thousands overnight are fairly slim. The following are ideas for keeping communities alive.
- Make sure there is always something to do in your community. This could include writing comments, joining groups, making notes, building wikis, looking at people’s photos and tagging. In my community which features Medifast coupons and Nutrisystem discounts, there are always discussions going on about different aspects of weight loss.
- Go beyond the borders often. Young communities grow by gently persuading new immigrants. For instance, if you are active on Facebook, you can intermittently point to posts on your community. You could also comment on blogs which share your group’s intent, and populate your URL. People click on the URL of interesting comments.
- Stifle less and encourage more. When sites forget about their community-minded goals, things go wrong. Be mindful of your interaction with the community.
- Make it worthwhile for your community. If you want to create a place where people can share ideas, build content and collaborate, think of how you can reward your community for their effort.
It’s All About People
At the core of everything are people. If your social network is dedicated to praising your company or products, it will end up being very ineffective. People want to feel appreciated. Have this as the focus of your perspective and motivations. Make it worthwhile for people and they’ll appreciate.
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on May 5, 2011 at 3:06 pm
You bring up such a relevant point. I completely agree with you that the core of everything are people. Social Media is having an outbreak. As SEO services become paid and effective service SMO on the other side, may be a great relief and rescue. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
kirapermunian | Best SEO Blogging recently posted…Best Practices for a Successful Blogging
on May 6, 2011 at 8:04 am
SMO has started to pick up in recent years, and more sites will need to focus on that as well as SEO. While SEO is targeted towards search engines, SMO is targeted toward people and developing relationships.
on May 7, 2011 at 6:58 am
The target should be clear from the very beginning to get the maximum benefit from social media. SEO and SMO have both become indispensable for bringing in the websites into the forefront.
Shree recently posted…New Google Analytics Feature- The Site Speed Report
on May 9, 2011 at 8:09 am
I agree. Planning should be a big part of SEO and SMO to ensure you are efficient in utilizing both processes.
on May 16, 2012 at 3:01 am
Indeed, having clear goals from the onset is vital for success with social media and social networks. Thanks for the comment.
Charles recently posted…Free Online Storage – Factors to Consider
on August 3, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Oh well, these two are making history in internet marketing. Imagine these two working together to bring people what they want. It’s amazing. SMO for social media and SEO for optimizing. Powerful combination.
on August 21, 2011 at 5:51 am
SEO is still very important but as I see it social media optimization it’s a very important adjustment and part of a SEO strategy, additionally it can help your posts go viral which is the best marketing method so if someone don’t use smo he will lose a lot of opportunities and potential visitors, thanks for sharing
Kostas recently posted…Using SMO To Supercharge Your SEO
on May 16, 2012 at 3:09 am
I agree Kostas. With the growth of social media, SMO has become vital for success in online marketing campaigns. Thanks for sharing.
Charles recently posted…Link Building – What to Look Out For
on November 7, 2011 at 8:20 pm
When we talk about internet marketing social media really fits it, it truly generates lots of traffic and a money as well. You made a great points here and I truly learn lot!
Thanks!
Jayden Wilson recently posted…Cash Back Credit Cards UK
on November 8, 2011 at 8:10 am
Thanks, Jayden. Social media is an essential component to Internet marketing.